If your Instagram posts look cut off in the feed, it’s usually because they were uploaded in a square format instead of Instagram’s full 4:5 size.
The 4:5 format (1080 x 1350) is the largest image size Instagram allows in the feed, and it helps your posts take up more screen space while people are scrolling. More space = more visibility and a better chance of stopping the scroll.
Step 1: Confirm your Canva design is the correct size
Open your design in Canva and check the dimensions. For full-size Instagram posts, the design should be:
1080 x 1350 pixels (4:5 ratio)
Most Coffee & Contracts carousel templates are already built in this format, so you typically won’t need to resize anything.
Once your design is ready:
Click Download
Select the slides you want to post
Save them to your device
You can either download them to your computer and Airdrop to your phone, or download them directly from the Canva mobile app.
Step 2: Download the images to your phone
If you're using Canva on your phone:
Open your design in the Canva app
Select the slides you want to post
Tap Download
Save the images to your phone
Once the images are saved to your camera roll, you’re ready to post.
Step 3: Upload the post in full size on Instagram
When creating your post in Instagram:
Tap Create Post (+)
Select the images you want for your carousel
Look for the two-arrow expand icon in the bottom corner of the preview
This toggle lets you switch between square view and full-size view.
Tap the icon to zoom out to the full 4:5 image before posting.
Then continue as usual:
Arrange your slides
Add music (optional)
Write your caption
Post
Important note if you use a scheduler
If you schedule your posts using a third-party scheduling tool, check the settings. Some schedulers default to square formatting, which can cause your images to appear cropped.
Make sure the tool allows you to publish posts in full size (4:5) so your graphics display correctly in the feed.
Carousel Posts
Carousel Posts Size: 1080 x 1350 px OR 4:5 aspect ratio
✍🏻 Note: Only what's within the 1080x1080 square will show when posted on Instagram.
All C&C cover slide templates are created with this cropping in mind.
However, if it is a slide that goes after a cover slide, it will be full page and it may get cut off. This is because it is not intended to be the cover slide so we do not recommend using it as such.
How to avoid getting cropped: In Canva Select File > Show Rulers & Guides > Then click & drag your mouse down from the top of the screen until you reach 135 > Repeat this process until you reach 1215.
For Instagram Reels
Only the 1080 x 1080 square will show in your Instagram profile feed for reel covers.
We design all of reel covers with this in mind.
To create a reel cover that does not get cropped in Canva: Select File > Show Rulers & Guides > Then click & drag your mouse down from the top of the screen until you reach 420 > Repeat this process until you reach 1500.